Saturday morning near College Station, TX, 26 year old female fighter Hannah Rapp, who just challenged and lost in a WBC Featherweight title bid in June, was killed on her bicycle in an apparent road rage incident.
A Texas man has been charged with manslaughter after authorities say he struck and killed professional figher Hannah Rapp, while she was riding her bicycle in Brazos County.
Deputies with the Brazos County Sheriff's Office (near College Station, TX) responded to a report Saturday morning of a serious crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist in the 23000 block of Farm-to-Market Road 159. When deputies arrived, they found the 26-year-old Rapp lying unresponsive in the roadway. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 31-year-old Charles Medina was driving on FM 159 when he passed Rapp and her boyfriend, who were riding bicycles, at what investigators described as a high rate of speed.
Investigators further noted in their report that Rapp's boyfriend reacted by raising his arms and shouting toward Medina. Deputy Mike Stumpf wrote in the affidavit that Medina then slammed on his brakes, skidding to a stop before shifting into reverse.
Authorities allege Medina rapidly accelerated backward, striking Rapp and knocking her into the roadway. Rapp's boyfriend told investigators that Medina had driven within about a foot of the cyclists before stopping. He also said Rapp's head struck the vehicle's rear window when she was hit.
Medina told investigators he believed the cyclists were trying to flag him down, prompting him to brake suddenly. He claimed he did not see Rapp while backing up until just before the collision and estimated he was traveling about 15 mph in reverse.
According to the sheriff's office, Medina's 2008 Honda had a crushed rear hatch and shattered back window. Investigators also documented skid marks that they said indicated Medina braked hard before rapidly accelerating in reverse.
"The investigation remains active and ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence and review all available information," the Brazos County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
We discussed the horrible situation on our "Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast" and you can hear insider Dan Rafael with me here,
Medina was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Online jail records show he was still being held at the Brazos County Detention Center Sunday night, as the investigation continues.
Rapp was a rising featherweight in professional boxing with an 8-1-1 record. Just weeks before her death, she challenged World Boxing Council women's featherweight champion Tiara Brown for the title during a June 13 bout on a Most Valuable Promotions card in Florida that aired on ESPN+. Brown retained the championship by unanimous 10 round decision.
Rapp is an Indiana native, who was track athlete at Purdue before moving to Texas and beginning her boxing career.
Following Rapp's death, the World Boxing Council paid tribute to the 26-year-old fighter, describing her as "a relentless warrior inside the ring" and "a beacon of light whose dedication and charisma left an indelible mark on the organization and the North American Boxing Federation."
"The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken," WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán said in another statement. "She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family. We join in the grief that overwhelms her loved ones, her team, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and supporting her throughout her brilliant career."
